Professional achievements
• Before becoming CEO, served as director of education at World Services for the Blind.
• Spent three summers teaching in youth programs for blind students.
Community Involvement
Board member, Arkansas Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired; treasurer, Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association; board member, Penny Forward; board member, VisionCorps.
Most valuable lesson
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of seeing people beyond first impressions. As someone who is blind, I’ve spent most of my life being met with assumptions — whether it’s outdated stereotypes or people underestimating my abilities. I’ve always had to prove what I can do, which has made me more aware of how I see others. That constant experience of being misunderstood reminds me to take the time to truly get to know people. I try not to put anyone in a box because I know what it feels like when someone only focuses on one part of who you are. Everyone brings something to the table, and it’s worth taking the time to find out what that is.”
